The flawed ruling that imperils Obamacare

A federal court’s declaration that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is unconstitutional could destabilize the ACA marketplaces, which is bad news for small businesses, their employees and solo entrepreneurs that rely on the ACA for quality, affordable insurance.

More than half of all ACA marketplace enrollees nationwide are small business owners, self-employed individuals or small business employees. This decision by a federal judge in Texas, however, could cause prices to rise for millions of people if large numbers of consumers leave health care marketplaces because they believe the ACA will eventually be struck down. If that happens, those who remain in the marketplaces could face higher costs.

The stability of the ACA was already a concern thanks to the Trump administration’s injection of chaos into the ACA marketplaces, most notably when the administration and its allies ended the individual mandate. Now that the very existence of the ACA is in question, it’s possible even more people will leave the marketplaces. Let’s hope the next court that hears this case upholds the ACA and stops numerous Illinois entrepreneurs from being priced out of health insurance.

Health care is something we've debated for decades. Most people don't want to have insurance because they feel healthy, and relying on private insurance is too expensive — especially if not many people are covering risk. I think it's time we finish the job and strive for a better public/private collaboration.

Yes, Medicare for all. Everyone would have Medicare basic, but then add on supplemental private coverage to help with co-pays and non-covered items. I would get rid of Medicaid and have government pay for plans that meet a set criteria for those who can't afford it. Those who don't want to "pay for insurance" would have Medicare basic anyway, and companies can pay for supplemental plans as a job perk, but not with a tax deduction. Perhaps that can be an easier pill to swallow since it would create the largest competitive insurance pool in history.

—Ted Terziev, Chicago

The wall, a wrong-headed idea

I am writing in regard to the article, “Trump's on-camera wall ultimatum boxes in Republicans,” published Dec. 13. It seems as though President Donald Trump believes that a wall between the U.S. and Mexico is going to keep immigrants out. Yes, it will make it harder for illegal immigrants to cross over. But it will not end the problem. Nobody wants to leave home and country unless they have to, whether that be for the safety of themselves, their children, or for the desire for a better life. People will continue to come to the U.S. Spending $5 billion dollars to build a wall is not going to stop them.

As a daughter of immigrants, I see this as an important issue, but I also see it as something that needs to be fixed. I believe we need to increase border security, whether that be a fence or workers, but I do not believe a wall is the answer. I advise Trump to iuse the money to help struggling citizens, including veterans in need of jobs and education,and to help unite the country instead of dividing it.

—Alex Martinez, Mundelein

Emanuel and pension reform

As much as I disagree with Mayor Emanuel on his public positions, he’s right about the need for a state constitutional amendment to permit pension reform.

First, I would put a pension cap not to exceed a set limit per individual. Second, I would eliminate pension double dipping, when a person retires with a pension, then works for another public sector employer and retires with a second pension.

—Mike Ruffner, Antioch

Saudi rebuke

In an act of bipartisanship, the Senate has voted to withhold American military support from Saudi Arabia for its war in Yemen, and has clearly placed the blame for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi on the Saudi crown prince. Senators rebuked President Trump, who refuses to accept the conclusions of the CIA that the crown prince ordered the murder.

Clearly, Trump, in keeping with the pattern that defines his presidency, is pursuing a narrow personal agenda with Saudii Arabia that eclipses the interests of the United States.